VOA慢速英语:Attacks, Animals, Activism Are Trending Stories of 2015

短语讲解：

1. There were a number of breaking news stories that took over both news headlines and social media channels at the same time.

at the same time 同时; 一起; 但是
例句：At the same time, some plan must be devised immediately.
这样就非得即刻搞出一套方案来才行。

2. The Tumblr post was not a big deal until one social news website – Buzzfeed – picked up the thread and asked readers to vote on the color of the dress.

pick up 捡起; 接载; 学会
例句：I'll go to pick up some odds and ends at the store.
我要到商店买些零碎的东西。

3. The barrier for participation needs to be very low in order for people to join in.

join in 参加，加入
例句：Did you join in the community sing ?
你们有没有参加社区的合唱会?

4. But as the song progressed, the “left shark” found it harder and harder to keep up.

keep up vi.保持; 不减弱
例句：Never fall behind, keep up!
不要落后，要跟上!

5. The hashtag called for people to protest the treatment of African-Americans by police and other authority figures.

call for 要求; 需要; （某人） 去接
例句：Different circumstances call for different tactics.
不同的情势需要不同的策略。

6. Tara Hunt is a social media expert. Hunt says people are busier than ever but still want to engage each other on topics like news, sports, music and movies.

each other 互相，彼此
例句：Do you often help each other with your lessons?
你们经常互相帮助复习功课吗？

7. As a result, people can have an “on-demand” conversation by using these social media sites.

as a result 结果， 因此
例句：The vibration will decay or damp as a result of the dissipation of energy.
振动因能量耗尽而衰减或阻滞。